shape-shifter

noun

shape-shift·​er ˈshāp-ˌshif-tər How to pronounce shape-shifter (audio)
: one that seems able to change form or identity at will
especially : a mythical figure that can assume different forms (as of animals)
shape-shift intransitive verb

Examples of shape-shifter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shigidi and Nneoma are both shape-shifters, appearing as whatever humans desire or fear, which makes real intimacy between them challenging. Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 One of the older companies in crypto, Ripple has been a continuous shape-shifter since its launch in 2012, when its founders created the cryptocurrency XRP. Ben Weiss, Fortune Crypto, 8 Sep. 2023 Thile takes that a big step further, making the mandolin an outright shape-shifter. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 Advertisement Throughout the two decades since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq overthrew President Saddam Hussein, Sadr has been something of a political shape-shifter, positioning himself variously as a sectarian militia leader, a revolutionary figure and a nationalist who could unify the country. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 20 July 2023 Following a popular two-year run online, the Nimona webcomic would be published as a graphic novel in 2015, and much like its leading teenage shape-shifter, the book defied convention. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 June 2023 Loki may be the Odinson family shape-shifter, but ever since Chris Hemsworth made his Marvel debut in 2011, poor Thor has gone through a lot. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 15 June 2023 Like a shape-shifter, Mitsubishi has been many things. Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 6 June 2023 The Japanese have a wary affection for foxes, which across East Asia are known for being shape-shifters. Hanya Yanagihara Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 10 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shape-shifter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shape-shifter was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near shape-shifter

Cite this Entry

“Shape-shifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape-shifter. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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